How to Save Time and Money

Today's SweetFind

2010-09-30T21:03:00.000-07:00

Red Plum Editor's Deal of the Day-- free full size Root Awakening Shampoo or Conditioner by John Frieda. Offer good thru October 2, 2010. More details @ http://www.redplum.com/

Meijer Healthy Living Breast Cancer Awareness Event

2010-09-28T09:02:00.000-07:00

Meijer stores are hosting a Breast Cancer Awareness event on Saturday, October 2, 2010. Giveaways, demos, samples and free Healthy Living booklet. Meijer and its vendor partners will donate up to $200,000 to the fight against cancer. More details @ http://www.meijer.com/atstores/main.jsp#ad8?icid=as04 .

Upcoming Walmart Sample Events

2010-09-27T09:45:00.000-07:00

Do you like to sample before you buy? Walmart has a list of their upcoming free sample events @
http://instoresnow.walmart.com/In-Stores-Now-In-Store-Events.aspx

Online Kids Clothing swap

2010-08-15T11:32:00.000-07:00

Save money and time by swapping kids clothes through this national network. http://urlmule.com/?6058

Nature Valley Blogging For a Cause & Giveway

2010-08-14T11:50:00.000-07:00

Networking Witches is giving away a Nature Valley National Parks Project Prize Pack . Pack includes:

one backpack
a green water bottle
Box Nature Valley Granola Bars
International author Patricia Shultz book, 1,000 Places To See Before You Die

Giveaway ends 08/28/2010 More Details

Kids Eat Free Everyday in August

2010-08-06T09:23:00.000-07:00

Get one kid's meal free with each adult meal purchase, 4-10pm. Limited time offer. For more details visit http://www.ihop.com/kef/index.html

My Recipes.com $5,000 Grocery Giveaway

2010-08-05T08:46:00.000-07:00

Enter daily for a chance to win $5,000 worth of grocery @ MyRecipes.com or http://www.myhomeideas.com/ .

Low Cost Printer Cartridge Refills

2010-04-22T14:37:00.000-07:00

Get low cost printer cartridge refills at your local Walgreens. Color or Black for $12.99. Take empty cartridges to photo counter.

Check website for participating stores and printer brands and models . I just discovered this a couple of weeks ago.

For Earth Day, you can get a refill for $1, if you use their in store coupon.

Last Minute Valentine's Day Ideas

2010-02-13T12:45:00.000-08:00

Are you still scrambling for that perfect gift for Valentine's Day? At this point in the game, less just keep it simple. Your gift doesn't have to cost a fortune to mean a lot. With a little time, a few materials and supplies that you probably already have on hand, you can still show your valentine, family and friends that they are special without spending lots of money.

Below are four resources with practical Valentine's Day ideas:

Simple Sweets for Two

Thoughtful and Simple Valentine's Day Ideas Some of the ideas can be done on Valentine's Day(for the true "last minuter").

Free E-Cards These cards are beautiful and can easily be personalized.

Downloadable Valentine's Day Coupons from Better Homes & Garden

These coupons are simple to make and can be customized for chldren and adults.

Enjoy your day,

"The Sassy Diva"

Reduce the Cost of Doing Laundry

2010-02-02T10:34:00.000-08:00

Use a powder laundry detergent instead of a liquid. Powdered detergents cost less per use and dissolve easily even in cold water.

Save Money by Eating Less Meat

2010-01-25T08:59:00.000-08:00

Buying meat consumes a large part of many Americans budget. How can we reduce this expenditure? To save money, reduce the number of meals that include meat to 3-5 per week. Good substitutes are: soups, stews, casseroles, veggie or cheese pizza, egg and cheese dishes. Not only should you save money, but will probably experience at least one health benefit--weight loss.

Gradually, introduce these changes into your meal plan. Not sure where to start, visit http://www.EatBetterAmerica.com for ideas. Keyword: meatless recipes.

Green tip: How to Clean the Bathtub Using Baking Soda

2010-01-22T08:17:00.000-08:00

Pour baking soda into a container that has a sprinkle top on it. I recycle seasoned salt containers such as Lawry's or spice containers. Dampen tub by turning on shower for a few seconds. Wet your sponge or cloth while the shower is running. Sprinkle baking soda in tub, rub bottom, sides of tub and soap dish if applicable. Don't forget the corners of the tub. Turn shower on, rinse with warm water. Dry if you desire. Wipe down outside of tub with damp sponge or cloth. Baking soda may leave a residue. If this happens, just rinse until it disappears.

How to Scent Your Home Inexpensively

2010-01-21T10:56:00.000-08:00

Using a cotton ball, gently wipe a small amount of your favorite perfume on a light bulb. When the bulb heats up, it will add the fragrance to your room. Also, you can use perfume samples that you have picked up from cosmetic counters.

Are you getting what you paid for?

2010-01-20T01:39:00.000-08:00

Use the scale in the produce section to check the weight of pre-packaged items such as a 3-lbs bag onions. Before placing item on scale, check the scale for the maximum amount of weight it can adequately weigh.

Stay prepared for parking meters

2010-01-18T19:56:00.000-08:00

Keep extra quarters, dimes and nickels in the ash tray, an envelope or an unused small prescription bottle placed in the glove compartment or other storage area in the car. This will save you time, because you will have coins at your finger tip whenever, you need them for parking meters.

Get a Complimentary Subscription Weight Watchers Magazine

2009-12-10T09:13:00.000-08:00

No credit card required
No purchase necessary
Quantities limited
Get your complimentary 1 year subscription to Weight Watchers Magazine and learn about other FREE business magazines @ http://eCa.sh/spJH

Free Holiday Recipe Guide

2009-12-09T14:05:00.000-08:00

Christmas is only a few weeks away. No manner what type of entertaining you are planning this free Holiday Recipe Guide from Carnation should add some pizazz to your gathering. Find great recipes for game day, brunch, lunch and more.
Free Holiday Recipe Guide

Holiday Survival Tip: Save Money on Gifts

2009-12-08T19:15:00.001-08:00

See all Survival Tips reviews at Expotv

Christmas Money Saving Tips

2009-12-08T19:14:00.000-08:00

Author: robby houston7795

It is publicly known that the general public spend way too much during Christmas, but with a little imagination and budgeting you can still enjoy Christmas on a budget. Here are Christmas money saving tips to help you enjoy the holiday season without the fear of being hit with a giant Mastercard bill in January.

If money is tight you can have an agreement that only the kids receive gifts. Sort the kids you want to buy something for into groups, such as brothers, or nieces and nephews, and decide a budget for each category.

Set your position for presents and leave your credit card at home, draw your money and deal in cash just for each shopping expedition. When on a small budget, there's no need for buying wrapping paper that will be ripped and disposed of at first example. Also do not buy present tags but instead recycle old Christmas cards by cutting round the main image, punching a hole and adding some ribbon.

Instead you can send free net cards through the web.

instead of just thinking Christmas money saving you might instead spread the cost by arranging for a rare treat in the New Year. Good examples include going for a meal to a posh restaurant, making a trip or evening at the theatre. You can wrap a memento of the proposed teat and give it as the present to retain the excitement during Christmas.

handmade treats are an alternative way to save money and fill stomachs. Making jam, cooking special cakes, shortbread biscuits or simply gingerbread men you'll be showing off your culinary talents and creating a point for debate.

The Internet has revolutionised shopping making it better to compare costs and is commonly cheaper than buying on the high st. You can shop for good as new items in car boot sales, charity shops and local papers but you may find a bigger selection on the net. Look for particular items at sites like Amazon and auction sites like e-bay for nearly new unwanted gifts. If you are selective about the quality, the products can be as good as new.
Make use of discount vouchers and money off vouchers available from dedicated websites, paper and mag adverts, leaflets or flyers. One of the finest ways for Christmas money saving online is discount voucher codes sites which entitle Internet buyers to money off, or another incentive such as free delivery and it all helps to stretch the budget further.

It is worth checking for Christmas money saving coupons for particular products or merchants by visiting a reputable discount voucher code sites like MyDiscountVoyucherCodes.co.uk.
About the Author:
The author is a freelance writer promoting savvy online shopping through use of price comparison, money off coupons, promotional codes and discount voucher codes to save money.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Christmas Money Saving tips

Retailers put coupons, deals on Facebook, Twitter, and social media sites

2009-11-28T06:04:00.000-08:00

Redefining a Room: A Weekend Project

2009-10-23T19:51:00.000-07:00

New video available for viewing. Refining a Room a Weekend Project. Turning the laundry room into an inviting sjavascript:void(0)pace.

Get up-to-date Sweepstakes and Contests

2009-10-22T17:46:00.000-07:00

Budget Friendly Halloween Costumes

2009-10-12T17:06:00.000-07:00

Budget Friendly Halloween Costumes By Cheryl Johnson
...by observing you, children learn how to create and learn crafts. These powerful memories imprint a more important message. They come to understand the superiority of the creative tightwad method. - Amy Dacyczyn, a.k.a. The Frugal Zealot

Halloween costumes are so different today. Super heroes, wizards, and cartoon characters rule the trick or treat. It was not too long ago.....ok it was maybe a while ago......when I was a small trick or treater that costumes were much more original.

You were not likely to bump into three or four other characters that looked exactly like you. Oh, you might run into a costume of the same theme, but it would be totally unique by comparison. Of course my mom created our Halloween costumes. You can create unique Halloween costumes and save money by recycling items.

Create your own unique costumes. Remember that Halloween costumes exaggerate to be most effective. So the more accessories, the better. Some easy to make costumes using items around the house, borrowed from friends and/or relatives, or purchased for next to nothing at your local thrift store include:

The little old lady or man - dress accordingly in an older man's (a suit is great) or woman's clothing. A hat is a nice touch. If you don't have a real walking cane you can substitute an appropriate size stick. Add some creative face painting with lots of wrinkles of course. Be sure to add the cracking voice and a prominent limp.

The Hobo - Recycle some unwanted clothing. Paint on or put on patches, rip some areas (especially around the bottoms of pants, ends of sleeves, elbows and knees, since these areas show wear first). Use black or brown makeup to smudge the face a little to look un-kept. Blush the nose to look a little reddish. (hobos get cold outside) Sport the oldest pair of worn looking shoes you can find (or even better, two different shoes) and a tattered hat and you're good to go!

Princess - This is a timeless costume. I think every little girl wants to be a princess at least once. But don't rush out and buy the frilliest costume you see. The princess is merely an expression of elegance. As long as your little girl feels elegant she is a princess. If you don't already have a full length fancy party dress, check the thrift store for a low cost floor length party dress. Just pick one that looks "princessy." Even better, borrow one if possible.

A princess wand can be easily made with a dowel or stick and a cardboard star covered with foil.   Add frills with duster feathers or ribbons if desired.   Make a crown. You can easily make one using a headband and craft materials. Here's a great tip: Recycle a Burger King Crown. You know the crowns they give out to all the little kiddies at Burger King. You can cover with foil or paint and add beads or gemstones to decorate. They also make a great pattern for a crown if you want to create it out of some other material you have.

Animals: For toddlers: Use one piece pajamas as a starting point. An extra bonus: the pajamas are warm clothing for what is typically a cool weather night in many areas. For example.. a fuzzy white, brown, black, or even pink footed pajama can easily become a kitten, rabbit, or dog.   Add a home made tail using scrap fabrics (attach with safety pin), a headband with the appropriate ears attached, or if you use a hooded outfit attach ears directly to hood), some creative face painting using home made face paint (below), and you've got a cute little costume that can be used as a comfy outfit after trick or treat!

For older children use tights or stretch pants, and turtleneck shirts, sweaters, hooded sweatshirts all in the desired color instead of the pajamas. Use desired color of mittens or gloves for paws. Bats, lions, tigers, even a skunk can be created in much the same way as the above animals!

Halloween Costume Recycling Tip: Remove the stuffing from an unwanted large stuffed animal (through a cut slit down back), launder, and use sections of fabric for costume. Or, cut a hole for the face and your toddler may be small enough to fit right in and use for hooded costume.

The Big Baby: This is an amusing costume for an older child. Return to the diaper zone! A bottle or pacifier, a bib, a homemade cloth diaper (over tights or pants of course), and a rattle. Add some rosy cheeks and your youngster will be ready to laugh (or cry) his/her way through trick or treat.

The Graduate - Have an old graduation cap and gown? If it doesn't hold too much sentimental value, you can use it to create a very simple, easy, costume. Create a fake diploma and drape it from the waist tied by a string or yarn of same color or wear like a necklace. You don't want the trick or treater to have to carry it. I've discovered these types of accessories usually end up in Mom's or Dad's hands to carry after a short time.

Halloween Costume Recycling Tip: Any discarded or unwanted work uniform (nursing, military, fireman, policeman) can be used as a Halloween costume.

The Witch - A long black dress or all over black pants with black top can be combined with a witch hat and black cape(make your own if you're crafty). Add black boots and make up face to suit.

Scarecrow - cut up some old jeans and a flannel shirt in scarecrow fashion. Cut sleeve ends and pants leg ends in strips to look tattered. Use straw or an old straw broom's bristles and glue or tape along inside edges of sleeves, pants legs, along bottom of shirt to appear as if bursting out of the scarecrow. Add a straw hat.

These are all good Halloween costume ideas and I'm sure you get the picture by now. The idea is to use as many items as you have on hand to create these timeless Halloween costumes. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

Don't let that little girl cry because you can't find her the purrrrrrrrrrr-fect cat costume. You can create a much nicer one from everyday items and a few craft materials. Chances are it will look more realistic than that store bought costume. As a bonus, many of the costume pieces (i.e. shirts, pants, tights, gloves/mittens) are reusable after Halloween!

A few other Halloween tips:

1. Use spray paints or craft paints. fabric dye, fabric paints and/or pens, to color recycled items to desired color. One year I used silver spray paint to color and entire outfit for my son's tin man costume. We recycled aluminum foil to use in making the hat and the axe.   Some silver body glitter on the hands and face put the finishing touches on this costume!

2. Use regular clothing to create an all-over color effect as with the animal costumes.

3. Consider mittens or gloves when you need hand color

4. A gallon ice cream bucket w/handle makes a perfect trick or treat bucket. I save these throughout the year and recycle for hundreds of other uses. Use neon paint or stickers to add bright decorations. This is a good safety technique to make kids more visible while trick or treating

5. Make your own face paint:    You will need Corn starch, Water, Cold cream, and Food coloring.

Use several different cups (custard cups, recycled single serve yogurt or Jell-O containers, a foam egg carton) Prepare 1 tsp cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon each of cold cream and water. Mix different color food coloring in each cup for desired colors

Make your own cream make up:

2 tsp white shortening

5 tsp corn starch

1 tsp white all purpose flour

glycerin (get at drug store)

Food coloring as desired

To make enough for one child's face - Use a rubber spatula, blend the first three ingredients until a smooth paste forms. Add 3/4 drops glycerin for a creamier consistency.   Add coloring if desired one drop at a time blending after each drop until you have the desired shade. For easy removal use shortening, cold cream or baby oil.

Remember your Halloween safety. Here are a few, but certainly not all inclusive, reminders of safe trick or treat rules.

1. Small children should always be accompanied by an adult.

2. Use flashlights, bright costumes or decorations to make trick or treaters more visible.

3. Try to frequent the same limited area each year or limit visits to friends and families.

4. Remind children not to eat candy until they get home and have moms and dads check and approve.

5. A safe costume should not block or restrict a child's vision or interfere with mobility. Make sure costumes are of a safe length so as not to trip the child.

Have a safe and Happy Halloween!

Cheryl Johnson is a mother of four helping herself and others become and remain debt free. Publisher of Simple Debt Free Living at http://www.simpledebtfreeliving.com - a self-help plan, ideas, and resources for a simple proven debt elimination strategy, household budget planning, frugal living, and [http://www.simpledebtfreeliving.com/work-at-home-ideas.html]practical home business ideas. Money saving tips for monthly bills, home decorating, gifts, holidays, weddings, groceries, clothing and much more save money every day.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cheryl_Johnson http://EzineArticles.com/?Budget-Friendly-Halloween-Costumes&id=77924

Free Software

2009-10-11T18:24:00.000-07:00

Free Keyword tool. Only available a few more hours, Sunday, October 11. Click here.

What to do with Empty Margarine Tubs

2009-10-07T18:02:00.000-07:00

Don't throw away empty margarine tubs; use them to store cookie dough. Get more uses @ http://bit.ly/3RoksD.